Attractions of Papatowai

From Hilltop it is only a short walk or drive to Papatowai and the beach, where there are a variety of short walking tracks including the Picnic Point track at the end of the Papatowai beach, which joins onto the Kings Rock track. Across the Tahakopa River, the Old Coach track past the moa hunter camp leads to Tahakopa Bay.

The Shanks Bush Reserve interpretation area is at the Tahakopa Valley road intersection. The local Papatowai store offers takeaways, fuel, groceries, wine and beer and closes at 6 pm (7pm in summer.) A “must see” is the acclaimed “Lost Gypsy Gallery” featuring nature inspired handmade gizmos and gadgets. The drive south along the Southern Scenic Route passes through Papatowai ; the much photographed Florence Hill panorama of Tautuku beach and peninsula, Lake Wilkie, the historic Traills Tractor historic walk ; the Cathedral Caves; and McLean Falls, before winding down through native forest to Niagara, Waikawa and the Curio Bay petrified forest. Do bring your binoculars, and allow time for stops.

The route north from Hilltop towards Owaka crosses the Tahakopa and Maclennan rivers, passes close to Matai and Purakanui Falls, with many side routes available to such features as the Jacks Bay Blowhole on the coast or the Catlins River walk inland. Other local activities include watching the penguins, seals and sea lions,as well as surfing, tramping cycling and fishing ,whitebaiting and gathering paua.